M
1 editions on Cue Bookstore

Melissa Mohr

Melissa Mohr, a historian of language, meticulously traces the evolution of profanity across centuries, revealing how these words reflect and shape our deepest cultural values and anxieties.

1
editions on Cue Bookstore
Readings on Cue Bookstore

Readings listed below

Cover of Holy Sh*t
Free edition

Holy Sh*t

That involuntary 'F***!' when you stub your toe, or the casual profanity shared among close friends – these aren't just slips of the tongue. We often dismiss swear words as crude, a sign of poor vocabulary, or simply 'bad language.' But what if these forbidden utterances are actually some of the most potent, historically rich, and psychologically revealing tools in our linguistic arsenal? This episode dives into the surprising science and sociology of profanity, exploring how it functions as a primal emotional release, a secret handshake of belonging, and a dynamic reflection of societal anxieties. You'll discover why what counts as 'bad' is constantly shifting, and how these words, often whispered or shouted, carry a surprising depth of human experience.

18 minOpen edition
Biography

Melissa Mohr, a historian of language, meticulously traces the evolution of profanity across centuries, revealing how these words reflect and shape our deepest cultural values and anxieties.